Books by Horseback: A Librarian's Brave Journey to Deliver Books to Children

Winner of the 2021 Northern Lights Book Awards--Historical Category

Books By Horseback is a breathtaking adventure of a heroic Pack Horse Librarian who braves the harsh terrain of rural Kentucky to bring books to children who need them.

"Capturing one librarian's breathtaking fictional journey is a riveting way to showcase and honor the risky work of these real librarians, and the text communicates a deep reverence for their mission-and their tremendous fortitude. Educational and inspiring." -Kirkus Reviews

"The fictional narrative proves captivating as young readers learn the lengths real-life librarians went to serve their communities during the Great Depression." - Publishers Weekly

"This is an excellent forum for bringing history and literacy together while broadening the experiences and perspectives of young -readers."-School Library Journal

"Vibrant illustrations anchor this tale . . . of intrepid female librarians delivering books to far-flung isolated homesteads in the rolling hills of Kentucky. The pictures are eye-popping and fill each page right to the edges." - Jon G. Bradley, Historical Novel Society

During the Great Depression, food, education, and opportunities were scarce. Kentucky had fallen behind its neighboring states in electricity and highways, and the folks who lived in the craggy, mountainous, Appalachia region were struggling to survive. But courageous librarians were up to the challenge!

Edith, a young Pack Horse Librarian, and her faithful horse Dan, adventure through rough terrain and a pending storm in order to deliver books to kids who desperately need them in this richly illustrated tale. Edith, like all Pack Horse Librarians, heroically risked their own safety to serve the most vulnerable members of their community. Librarians like Edith helped an entire generation learn to read and gain lifesaving knowledge in a critical time in history.


About the Author
Emma Carlson Berne is the author of many books for young readers. With Appalachian roots going back several generations, she was glad to write about this unique part of history. Emma has worked on projects with Disney/Lucasfilm Press, American Girl Publishing, Simon & Schuster, Scholastic, National Geographic Kids, Lonely Planet Kids, and Sterling Publishing, among others. She was the 2018 writer-in-residence for the Public Library of Cincinnati and Hamilton County. Emma lives with her family in Cincinnati, Ohio where she enjoys reading, horseback riding, and walking in the woods.

Ilaria Urbinati lives in Turin, Italy. She began her career as character designer and colorist for animated television series, before working as a freelance illustrator creating books, apps, and advertisements. Ilaria's previous book with Little Bee Books, Saving the Countryside: The Story of Beatrix Potter and Peter Rabbit, has received great acclaim. Ilaria is also a Professor at IADA University teaching Illustration and visual development. Learn more at ilariaurbinati.com